of Driggs, AR
December 31, 2011
Bethel Maurice ''Reese'' Fairbanks, 81 of Driggs passed away on Saturday, December 31, 2011 at his home. He was born on October 4, 1930 in Driggs, Arkansas to his parents Gordon Bethel and Winnie Wilma (Miller) Fairbanks.
Reese was a construction contractor for many years and also was a restaurant owner alongside his wife Wynema. Reese later worked as a taxi driver in Wichita, Kansas where he was known as Arky and came to Christ at the Gideon Baptist Church in Wichita. He was a founding member of the Driggs Rural Fire Department, an avid gardener, loved playing cards and dominos and was a loving father and grandfather.
Reese is preceded in death by his parents, Gordon and Winnie Fairbanks, his wife of 52 years Wynema Mae (Graham) Fairbanks, his daughter Debra Lynn Fairbanks, three brothers, Amon, Wendell and Granvel Fairbanks and two sisters Corene Hooper and Lorita Hayes.
Reese is survived by one daughter Anita Valentine and husband Robert of Paris, two sons, Danny Fairbanks and wife Betty of Paris and Don Fairbanks and wife Karen of Paris, three sister, Wilma Rice of Van Buren, Mazie Phillips of Paris and Mogie Hawkins of Paris, one brother Bill Fairbanks of Magazine, nine grandchildren, Kristi Bates, Lori Grothe, Amber Vines, Brian Fairbanks, Adam Valentine, Lacy Reese, Gina McDaniel, Jessica Langley and Ryan Macky, fourteen great-grandchildren and six great-great grandchildren.
Visitation will be held 6:00-8:00 p.m., on Tuesday, January 3, 2012 at Roller Funeral Home Chapel in Paris
Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Wednesday, January 4, 2012 at Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Paris officiated by Rev. J.H. Carter. Burial will be in Liberty Cemetery in Driggs under the direction of Roller Funeral Home in Paris.
Pallbearers will be Thomas Beggs, Roy Kelm, Marvin Cameron, Kevin Grothe, Brian Fairbanks and Adam Valentine.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Sonny Graham, Robert Valentine, Roger Jones, Donald Friddle, Bob Pilgreen and Larry Lowder.
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7 Condolence(s)
Joan Barker
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Reese was a favorite cuz of ours. We greatly treasure our time with him when we visited. He was good to his Mom our Aunt Winnie and we love him for that. He takes a wealth of knowledge with him as far as growing veggies and flowers. We know he and Aunt Winnie are now setting on the porch drinking coffee and saying we are in a much better place. And we are both healthy now. We miss and love him.
Sharon Coonrod, Joan Barker and all the TN Cousins.
MICKEY OATES
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
i WAS SO SORRY TO HEAR OF YOUR LOSS. YOUR MEMORIES WILL BE GREAT TREASURES. GOD BLESS.
Charles & Brenda Knoles
Monday, January 2, 2012
Our hearts & prayers are with you during this time of loss. We pray that God will comfort & strengthen you.
Clifford Bridges
Monday, January 2, 2012
Thoughts and prayers are with the family of Reese. May God wrap his arms around you all and help you find comfort thru this difficult time. God bless you all!
Clifford, Hermina, Cory and Courtney Bridges
Eldon Thomas
Sunday, January 1, 2012
My prayer and condolences to the family. Words are not always adequate to express condolences but I know our Lord has a way healing our broken heart. May the Lord bless each family member and friend of "Reece". Eldon Thomas
C.E. and Pattie Atchley
Sunday, January 1, 2012
We are sorry for your loss. C.E. and Pattie
Ginger
Sunday, January 1, 2012
My sincere condolences to all the family. Reese was a good friend for many years. One thing that comes to mind is him singing "Diggin' up Bones." May God give you comfort in this sad time.